7 PLAYERS TO WATCH AT HSBC CANADA SEVENS
The most electrifying superstars of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series are set to return to Vancouver for 2017, ready to leave it all out on the field. The competition is fierce and we can expect some big performances from the best of the best. From blazing speed to brilliant playmakers, here are seven players we think will stand out on March 11-12:
Justin Douglas – Canada
Douglas is steadily becoming one of the best all-around athletes on the circuit. He has become a staple on the starting line for Canada in during the 2016-17 series. The man can do it all: he hits, he scores, he makes plays, and he puts Canada in a position to win each and every match. Douglas currently sits tied for fifth on the try leaderboard (behind a few other names on this list) as the teams get set for the next leg. Hailing from Abbotsford, BC, it’ll be exciting to see what he can do with the home crowd on his side.
Jerry Tuwai – Fiji
Fiji finished last year as series champions and Olympic gold medallists; however, they have yet to win a tournament this year. You can bet they will come out flying, led by the play of this man, Jerry Tuwai. Tuwai is a player that can turn a game on its head with his fancy footwork, quick first step and uncanny ability to offload in contact. As one of the top-level talents in the world, he’ll be the key to Fiji’s success
Dan Norton – England
A regular fixture on the England squad since 2009, Norton is an absolute weapon on the rugby pitch. He is regarded as one of the most dangerous players on the circuit and one of the hardest to defend. Coming on the heels of a silver medal victory at the Rio Olympics last summer as part of Team Great Britain, Norton has seen a multitude of success so far this year. He won back-to-back DHL Impact Player of the Tournament awards in Dubai & Cape Town, he sits second on the series try leaderboard, and he became England’s all-time leading try scorer. On top of all that, Norton now has the second most tries of all time on the World Rugby Sevens circuit! With history in his sights and England sitting second in the standings, expect big things.
DJ Forbes – New Zealand
Forbes is an engine that just keeps going. He has delivered 11 years of sevens for New Zealand and now holds the world record of most tournament appearances in World Rugby Sevens history. The veteran brings leadership and consistency to a New Zealand team that is currently in a transitional phase. With a new coach and new ideas, Forbes has helped lay the foundation for the next generation, while leaving his mark at each series stop. If the Kiwis hope to repeat as Canada Sevens champions, it’ll be Forbes who steps up.
Perry Baker – USA
Fans are constantly left in awe at the blazing speed that Perry Baker brings to the game of sevens. Baker, once an NFL prospect, has literally burst onto the sevens scene and become one of the marquee players in the game. His foot speed alone has defenses constantly on their heels and if he is able to get into the open field, there are very few, if any, who can catch him. If you give him an inch, he will take a mile. Expect to see some electrifying highlights from Baker, if you’re eyes can keep up.
Rosko Specman – South Africa
Rosko Specmen, or Speckmagic, has become a force for South Africa, who sit top of the 2016-17 standings so far. The surging Blitzboks can hurt you in many ways but when Specmen has the ball, it’s his ankle-breaking side steps and furious pace that stands out. He also has a great touch with his feet and can place the ball perfectly. Fresh off of winning the HSBC Player of the Final down in Vegas, he’ll look to continue his hot play in Vancouver. With several personnel changes on South Africa’s squad, Specman is primed to take centre stage on the best team in sevens.
Billy Odhiambo – Kenya
The most complete player in 2016-17, so far, has been Billy Odhiambo. He has his fingerprints over each and every game that he plays. Putting up stats across the board has positioned him at the top of the DHL Performance Tracker for the series. He has an excellent rugby sense that translates into some fantastic offloads, impressive line breaks and great tackles. When Odhiambo is on the field, he makes great things happen.
